ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

• US 20130076904A1
• Filed: 11/12/2012
• Published: 03/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Heslin, Patrick, Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,481,916 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0077 using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0822 characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0881 characterized by the attachment means on the windshield
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0885 the sensor being integrated in a rear-view mirror module
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A vehicular accessory mounting system includes a structure adhesively attached at a region of an interior surface of the vehicle windshield. The structure is configured to accommodate an accessory. A light absorbing layer at the region of the interior surface of the vehicle windshield at least partially hides the structure from view by a viewer, who is external the vehicle, viewing through the windshield. The accessory views through a light transmitting portion of the light absorbing layer and through the windshield to the exterior of the vehicle when the structure is attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield and when the accessory is accommodated thereat. The structure may include a mirror assembly mount button and the mirror assembly mount button may be configured to be received by a mirror mount of an interior rearview mirror assembly.

Claims

1. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising:

a structure adhesively attached at a region of an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle;

said structure configured to accommodate an accessory;

a light absorbing layer at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, said light absorbing layer at least partially hiding said structure from view by a viewer, who is external the vehicle, viewing through the windshield with said structure attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield;

wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion;

said accessory viewing through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer and through the windshield to the exterior of the vehicle when said structure is attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield and when said accessory is accommodated thereat; and

said structure further comprising a mirror assembly mount button and wherein said mirror assembly mount button is configured to be received by a mirror mount of an interior rearview mirror assembly.

2. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a single pivot support assembly for an interior mirror head, said single pivot support assembly comprising said mirror mount, said interior mirror head comprising a mirror casing including a mirror reflective element, and wherein said mirror casing of said interior mirror head is adjustable via said single pivot support assembly to adjust a rearward field of view of said mirror reflective element when said mirror mount receives said mirror assembly mount button of said structure and with said structure attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.

3. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a double pivot support assembly for an interior mirror head, said double pivot support assembly comprising said mirror mount, said interior mirror head comprising a mirror casing including a mirror reflective element, and wherein said mirror casing of said interior mirror head is adjustable via said double pivot support assembly to adjust a rearward field of view of said mirror reflective element when said mirror mount receives said mirror assembly mount button of said structure and with said structure attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.

4. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said mirror assembly mount button is integral with said structure.

5. The accessory mounting system of claim 4, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure.

6. The accessory mounting system of claim 4, comprising a cover, said cover being removable to facilitate access to said accessory.

7. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly.

8. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said accessory comprises a camera.

9. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said accessory comprises a rain sensor.

10. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein, with said rain sensor accommodated at said structure, a detecting surface of said rain sensor is in contact with the windshield.

11. The accessory mounting system of claim 10, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor is urged in contact with the windshield.

12. The accessory mounting system of claim 11, wherein said detecting surface of said rain sensor is urged in contact with the windshield by a resilient element.

13. The accessory mounting system of claim 11, wherein said rain sensor optically couples with said windshield.

14. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein, with said rain sensor accommodated at said structure, a biasing member urges the detecting surface of said rain sensor to contact the interior surface of the windshield for detecting moisture on an exterior surface of the windshield.

15. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said rain sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector for detecting presence of moisture on the windshield.

16. The accessory mounting system of claim 15, wherein said rain sensor includes electronic circuitry for generating an electrical signal indicative of detection of moisture on the windshield.

17. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said rain sensor generates an electrical signal for at least one of a wiper system, a sunroof system, a ventilation system and a traction control system.

18. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said rain sensor optically couples to the interior surface of the windshield.

19. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said structure comprises a compartment, said compartment accommodating said rain sensor.

20. The accessory mounting system of claim 19, wherein said compartment comprises a biasing member which biases said rain sensor into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

21. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said rain sensor has a cross section dimension of less than about 50 millimeters.

22. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said rain sensor has a cross section dimension of greater than about 25 millimeters.

23. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said rain sensor has a cross section dimension of less than about 50 millimeters and has a cross section dimension of greater than about 25 millimeters.

24. The accessory mounting system of claim 9, wherein said rain sensor has a circular shape.

25. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said light transmitting portion comprises a light transmitting aperture through said light absorbing layer.

26. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure.

27. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said mirror assembly mount button is integral with said structure and wherein said mirror assembly mount button is fabricated of metal.

28. The accessory mounting system of claim 27, wherein said metal comprises at least one of steel, sintered steel, aluminum, zinc, titanium and nickel.

29. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure is fabricated of metal and wherein said mirror assembly mount button is integral with said structure.

30. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure is fabricated of a polymer material and wherein said mirror assembly mount button is integral with said structure.

31. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by a polyvinyl butyral adhesive.

32. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by an epoxy adhesive.

33. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by a urethane adhesive.

34. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by an acrylic adhesive.

35. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by a silicone adhesive.

36. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said mirror assembly mount button is configured to be received by a mirror mount of an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly.

37. The accessory mounting system of claim 36, wherein said interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly releasably mounts to said mirror assembly mount button.

38. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said accessory comprises a body having a shape.

39. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said body includes a cross-section dimension and a body length, and wherein the ratio of said cross-section dimension to said body length is greater than 1.

40. The accessory mounting system of claim 39, wherein the ratio is greater than 2.

41. The accessory mounting system of claim 40, wherein the ratio is greater than 3.

42. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said accessory comprises a rain sensor.

43. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a frit.

44. The accessory mounting system of claim 43, wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a black frit.

45. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, comprising a cover.

46. The accessory mounting system of claim 45, wherein, with said accessory accommodated at said structure, said cover allows access to said accessory.

47. The accessory mounting system of claim 45, wherein said cover comprises a removable cover.

48. The accessory mounting system of claim 47, wherein said cover comprises at least one fastener.

49. The accessory mounting system of claim 48, wherein said at least one fastener comprises a fastener chosen from the group consisting of a clip, a screw, a snap and a latch.

50. The accessory mounting system of claim 47, wherein said cover is made of a polymeric material.

51. The accessory mounting system of claim 50, wherein said cover snap-engages at said structure.

52. The accessory mounting system of claim 50, wherein said cover mates with said structure.

53. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said accessory is removable from said structure.

54. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting aperture through said light absorbing layer.

55. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said mirror mount of said interior rearview mirror assembly is configured to twist onto said mirror assembly mount button to attach said interior rearview mirror assembly to said structure.

56. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview video mirror assembly comprising a transflective electrochromic mirror reflective element and a video display screen.

57. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said structure comprises first and second compartments, said first compartment accommodating said accessory and said second compartment accommodating at least one electrical component.

58. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising:

a structure adhesively attached at a region of an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle;

said structure configured to accommodate an accessory;

wherein said accessory comprises a camera;

a light absorbing layer at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, said light absorbing layer at least partially hiding said structure from view by a viewer, who is external the vehicle, viewing through the windshield with said structure attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield;

wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion;

said camera viewing through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer and through the windshield to the exterior of the vehicle when said structure is attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield and when said accessory is accommodated thereat;

wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting aperture through said light absorbing layer; and

wherein said structure is fabricated of one of (i) metal and (ii) a polymer material.

59. The accessory mounting system of claim 58, wherein said accessory comprises circuitry and wherein said circuitry at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication.

60. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said bus communication comprises a CAN bus communication.

61. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said circuitry comprises part of at least one of (a) a braking system of the vehicle and (b) a traction control system of the vehicle.

62. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by an epoxy adhesive.

63. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by a urethane adhesive.

64. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by a silicone adhesive.

65. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said accessory is removable from said structure.

66. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said light absorbing layer comprises at least one of (i) a frit and (ii) a black frit.

67. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, wherein said accessory comprises a body having a shape and wherein said body includes a cross-section dimension and a body length, and wherein the ratio of said cross-section dimension to said body length is greater than 1.

68. The accessory mounting system of claim 59, comprising a removable cover.

69. The accessory mounting system of claim 68, wherein, with said accessory accommodated at said structure, said cover allows access to said accessory.

70. The accessory mounting system of claim 68, wherein at least one of (i) said cover comprises at least one fastener, (ii) said cover comprises at least one fastener and wherein said at least one fastener comprises a fastener chosen from the group consisting of a clip, a screw, a snap and a latch, (iii) said cover is made of a polymeric material, (iv) said cover snap-engages at said structure and (v) said cover mates with said structure.

71. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising:

a structure adhesively attached at a region of an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle;

said structure configured to accommodate an accessory;

wherein said accessory comprises a camera;

a light absorbing layer at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, said light absorbing layer at least partially hiding said structure from view by a viewer, who is external the vehicle, viewing through the windshield with said structure attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield;

wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion;

said camera viewing through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer and through the windshield to the exterior of the vehicle when said structure is attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield and when said accessory is accommodated thereat;

wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting aperture through said light absorbing layer; and

wherein said accessory comprises circuitry and wherein said circuitry at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication.

72. The accessory mounting system of claim 71, wherein said accessory is removable from said structure and wherein said accessory comprises a body having a shape and wherein said body includes a cross-section dimension and a body length, and wherein the ratio of said cross-section dimension to said body length is greater than 1.

73. The accessory mounting system of claim 72, wherein at least one of (i) said bus communication comprises a CAN bus communication and (ii) said circuitry comprises part of at least one of (a) a braking system of the vehicle and (b) a traction control system of the vehicle.

74. The accessory mounting system of claim 72, comprising a removable cover.

75. The accessory mounting system of claim 74, wherein, with said accessory accommodated at said structure, said cover allows access to said accessory.

76. The accessory mounting system of claim 74, wherein at least one of (i) said cover comprises at least one fastener, (ii) said cover comprises at least one fastener and wherein said at least one fastener comprises a fastener chosen from the group consisting of a clip, a screw, a snap and a latch, (iii) said cover is made of a polymeric material, (iv) said cover snap-engages at said structure and (v) said cover mates with said structure.

77. The accessory mounting system of claim 72, wherein said structure is fabricated of metal.

78. The accessory mounting system of claim 72, wherein said structure is fabricated of a polymer material.

79. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising:

a structure adhesively attached at a region of an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle;

said structure configured to accommodate an accessory;

wherein said accessory comprises a camera;

a light absorbing layer at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, said light absorbing layer at least partially hiding said structure from view by a viewer, who is external the vehicle, viewing through the windshield with said structure attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield;

wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion;

said camera viewing through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer and through the windshield to the exterior of the vehicle when said structure is attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield and when said accessory is accommodated thereat;

wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting aperture through said light absorbing layer;

wherein said accessory comprises circuitry and wherein said circuitry at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication;

wherein said accessory is removable from said structure;

wherein said accessory comprises a body having a shape; and

wherein said accessory mounting system comprises a removable cover.

80. The accessory mounting system of claim 79, wherein at least one of (i) said cover comprises at least one fastener, (ii) said cover comprises at least one fastener and wherein said at least one fastener comprises a fastener chosen from the group consisting of a clip, a screw, a snap and a latch, (iii) said cover is made of a polymeric material, (iv) said cover snap-engages at said structure and (v) said cover mates with said structure.

81. The accessory mounting system of claim 80, wherein said structure is fabricated of metal.

82. The accessory mounting system of claim 80, wherein said structure is fabricated of a polymer material.

83. The accessory mounting system of claim 79, wherein said body includes a cross-section dimension and a body length, and wherein the ratio of said cross-section dimension to said body length is greater than 1.

84. The accessory mounting system of claim 83, wherein at least one of (i) said bus communication comprises a CAN bus communication and (ii) said circuitry comprises part of at least one of (a) a braking system of the vehicle and (b) a traction control system of the vehicle.

85. The accessory mounting system of claim 83, wherein said structure is adhesively attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle by one of (i) a polyvinyl butyral adhesive;

(ii) an epoxy adhesive, (ii) a urethane adhesive, (iv) an acrylic adhesive and (v) a silicone adhesive.

86. The accessory mounting system of claim 83, wherein, with said accessory accommodated at said structure, said cover allows access to said accessory.